Is It Wrong? (Please Read, In Need Of Help)

[JordanW]

Hello everyone, as you all know, yes I am new here, but I have an honest proposal to you all. I have considered myself a Christian my whole life, I believe in the Bible and I believe in God and Jesus Christ, but I'm really beginning to have doubts. Is it wrong for me to have doubts on whether or not I believe in God? I'm beginning to think that it's just my imagination that is conveying these portrayals of a "higher being" that being, being God. I'm just really not sure what to think anymore, but I don't want to ask fellow Christian's because I know all that I'll get is, "Oh so you aren't a Christian anymore, and you don't have faith and blah blah blah". I would just like an honest answer from some people here. I know I am new and all, but I'm sure that I can get some good honest answers from some good people. I've made Christian videos on YouTube for the past 2-3 weeks or so, but all I've seen is Christian's attacking each other over certain doctrines and Bible translation's and just pointless crap like that. I would just like an honest answer, and if someone could help me, I'd be so greatly appreciative. Thanks so much, I look forward to hearing what you all think.

[cipherdecoy]

If it's any consolation to you, Mother Teresa did have doubts about God herself.

[Dori]

Hello everyone, as you all know, yes I am new here, but I have an honest proposal to you all. I have considered myself a Christian my whole life, I believe in the Bible and I believe in God and Jesus Christ, but I'm really beginning to have doubts. Is it wrong for me to have doubts on whether or not I believe in God? I'm beginning to think that it's just my imagination that is conveying these portrayals of a "higher being" that being, being God. I'm just really not sure what to think anymore, but I don't want to ask fellow Christian's because I know all that I'll get is, "Oh so you aren't a Christian anymore, and you don't have faith and blah blah blah". I would just like an honest answer from some people here. I know I am new and all, but I'm sure that I can get some good honest answers from some good people. I've made Christian videos on YouTube for the past 2-3 weeks or so, but all I've seen is Christian's attacking each other over certain doctrines and Bible translation's and just pointless crap like that. I would just like an honest answer, and if someone could help me, I'd be so greatly appreciative. Thanks so much, I look forward to hearing what you all think.

Firstly, I would like to welcome you to the forum. Welcome!

I think I know what you're going through, at least to some extent. I once considered myself a Christian, but now I can barely call myself an agnostic. I don't think there's necessarily anything wrong with having doubts, as long as you address them. I'm sure many Christians have had doubts. Talking with an adult Christian that you trust might help you address these doubts, or simply spending more time with God. Read your Bible, pray, attend church, etc.

If all else fails you can try looking at a the philosophy of religion. More specifically, you could try to get yourself back passed reasonable doubt by examining a few of the arguments proposed by theists you counter atheist. But this is not recommended; you might find yourself digging a deeper hole.

Anyways, if anyone on this board is capable of better answering to this dilemma, it would be Pendragon, or such is my opinion.

[mtpspur]

It would be so easy to toss a stone your way as I consider myself an experienced whited sepuchre with a great streak of Phariseeisim in me. Doubts are a normal way of measuring growth in faith. We are to search the scriptures to see what God has to say. I believe THIS above all else. A Christian who doubts has taken their eyes off the Lord Christ. You may read, pray, evangelize and do multiple good works but if the eye and heart are not centered on the Lord Christ the doubts and lure of the world will work its magic. Remember Thomas was filled with doubts until he beheld the wounds of Christ. I am not a believer in losing your faith. My question is did you ever have it?? God can assure your heart on that score. Also if you watch the Christians--myself very much included too much you will be discouraged and experience a bit of hardening of the heart. Some of my worst sins and they are numerous were commited after believing in Christ. Hope this helps. By the way if God sends Pendragon to talk to you you are blessed indeed. I'm not as nice as he is. Hope this helps. Welcome aboard Rich

[mayneverhave]

There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so.

Why on earth would questioning a belief system you have never questioned hitherto be wrong?

[JordanW]

Because I am becoming older and I am starting to really think things through. Things have also been happening to me, and I have prayed to God to heal me of many things, and nothing is happening. I'll link you to my video: http://youtube.com/watch?v=-BWE8GrVllI

[mtpspur]

I took the time to watch your video and I have no doubt about your sincerity. Personally I think your healing is beginning--just not in the way you hoped and expected. The apostle Paul had a thorn in the flesh that he asked to be removed 3 times but it was for the glory of God it remained. I have a problem with your remark on the video you were raised Christian. Faith can be shared but it can't be trasmitted. That whats the gospel is for. You are at an age where the world and your future is opening up before you and yes it is a scary time. But as above--place your eyes back on the Lord Christ and ignore me and the other Christians that might bring you down--unless we point you to the Lord--plus why would Go deceive us. You might try to read the Bible (and I don't care what translation you use or for that manner what music you worship to--) but I suspect you let way too many people bother you by he inconsistencies in our lives. Even the Lord had aJudas amongst him. I'm 57 and I still fret and and worry but I know where the solution lies. I hope better for you but you shouldn't just blow off the brethren in the faith due to the weaknesses and sins of others or who would stand at the end of the day? With respect and a view towards encouraging you--Rich. Really wish Pendragon was here--he is a Godly man in all the right meanings of the word.

[Wintermute]

Because I am becoming older and I am starting to really think things through. Things have also been happening to me, and I have prayed to God to heal me of many things, and nothing is happening.

Hey Jordan,

I'm agnostic. I find comfort in the the mystery of the universe. When someone claims with absolute certainty that they know what's going on in the universe I quickly run the other way. Those morons that flew the planes into the WTC were certain. I live in the south US, and the vast majority of folks around here are baptists and believe, seemingly without question, that some sky-daddy created them special in all the universe. How egotistical! To me religion is a human construct designed to dampen one's natural fear of death. Nothing more. You are right to have doubts about a Christian (or any other religion.

There is another aspect however--love. Despite all the paranormal mumbo-jumbo in the bible the core wisdom, that love is key to eternal happiness, can be embraced by everyone, including atheists. When you are laying on your death bed, the end being near, you will look back and judge your life by how happy you've been. You will either die happy or not. And death is indeed eternal. And real happiness can only, in my opinion, be achieved through adhering to what many call 'the golden rule.' If you treat others with love and kindness, you will die happy, which in my agnostic opinion is what it's all about.

Peace,
Doug

[jgweed]

You should perhaps read Kierkegaard, whose Christianity was one of fear, trembling, and doubt.
To doubt your religion is far from immoral or wrong (Father, why have you forsaken me?), and will result either in your completely forsaking religion, or strengthening it by deepening your faith, even if rejecting dogmatic sectarianism.

[ampoule]

Because I am becoming older and I am starting to really think things through. Things have also been happening to me, and I have prayed to God to heal me of many things, and nothing is happening. I'll link you to my video: http://youtube.com/watch?v=-BWE8GrVllI

Jordan, please remember that Christians are not Christ. We are just as flawed as anyone. Some of us believe that following Christ's teachings makes us more Christ-like but it does not make us better than anyone else, and far from perfect. Sometimes, what appears as judgemental is just someone trying to voice their own truth. If someone seems to be talking down to you or berating you for your questioning, I think it might be because they are unsure of their own faith or afraid of losing it. I believe God gave us our brains and our intellect and celebrates that we use them. I agree with the others here that you should search and read the scriptures for yourself, find your own truth. God is for us, not against us.
As for music, I couldn't understand the song you used on your video so you probably also understand that I am a lot older than you. However, I have always enjoyed taking popular music and claiming it for my own spirituality. Sometimes I have to tweak a word or two but most often the message that God is love comes through loud and clear.
And I know how frustrating it is to wait for answers to prayer. The problem often is that we cannot see the answers.
My youngest son suffers from anxiety and severe panic attacks and I pray constantly that he receive peace.
May I add you to my prayer list?

[NickAdams]

I can see your dilemma, in seeking advice. It seems you are receiving remedies to cure your doubt in Christianity, but it seems these aides are missing your true trouble.

If your doubt only pertained to Christianity, a look at any other religion would suite you, but you say you are haveing trouble believing in the idea of a higher being. It would be very difficult for you to receive advice where a certain God is not mentioned, but steps should be taken. The action of you seeking advice shows that you are devoted in the doctrine of Christ, but you just need to feel that it is possible.

I'm glad you mentioned God as well as Jesus, becuase God seems to be a sideshow in some Christian denominations. This neglect has lead to the doubt in my Christian friends. Without the Father the Son becomes meaningless in relation to divinity. I often felt that it didn't matter whether he was the son of God or not, or if he even existed, because his code of conduct was something to be admired (much like Gandhi).

If you were a slave and your master promised to free you one day, but along the way he gave you a certain amount of freedom on his land (provided you followed a code of conduct) and gave you the ability to sustain yourself; he also is an ear when you need somebody to talk to. Time goes by and you ask for something, but he doesn't seem to acknowledge you. You ask for something else and still nothing. Don't doubt because He doesn't answer your prayers, because He promised freedom from the body not comfortability within it.

The Hindu religion has some great concepts that cover hardships and the relationship between man and the divine. I think it is strong of the Muslim religion to encourage their members to read Christian, Hindu and other religious doctrines.

I don't believe in a god myself, but fear that mans morality would drop without it. Not to say that the religious can't be immoral, but taboos are a stong influence.

The following was posted in another thread:

Norman Malcom (American philosopher)

1.) If God does not exist, his existence is logically impossible (because by definition God is eternal and independent so he cannot come into being or be caused to come into being).

2.) If God does exist, his existence is logically necessary (because he cannot have come into existence [for the reasons given above] or cease to exist, for if he did, he would be limited, and by definition God is unlimited).

3.) Hence, either God's existence is logically impossible or it is logically necessary.

4.) If God's existence is logically impossible, then the concept of God is self-contradictory.

5.) The concept of God is not self-contradictory.

6.) Therefore, God's existence is logically necessary.

7.) Therefore, God exists.

C.S. Lewis said, correct me if I'm wrong: no one can say that they are Christian, for it is not something you are but something you maintain. Those who judgments about your faith, "Oh so you aren't a Christian anymore, and you don't have faith and blah blah blah," are maitaining their Christianity.

Lastly, Thomas wasn't damned for his skepticism. It's not a sin to ask to see Jesus' wounds.

Peace be with you.

[dzebra]

That sounds a lot like a time I have been through. My time of doubt spurred me into my time of searching and learning, which brought me into my time of confidence.

I suggest that you use this doubt as encouragement to study and learn as much as you can about any questions you have. When I was facing extreme doubt in my younger years, I discarded everything I was taught to believe, and searched to find truth for myself, not based on what others believe.

Of course, not all of my questions were answered right then, because I had so many and they were really hard questions, but a ton were answered. I am a firm believer that if you honestly search for truth, the truth will reveal itself. I am confident that, with a passionate heart, and a willingness to see God for who he truly is, God will show you what you need to see.

[aabbcc]

Welcome to LitNet, first.

I have considered myself a Christian my whole life, I believe in the Bible and I believe in God and Jesus Christ, but I'm really beginning to have doubts. Is it wrong for me to have doubts on whether or not I believe in God?

From my perspective at least, absolutely not.
It is a question of choice whether or not you wish to perserve in your adult life some aspects of the culture you grew up with, including religious practice and values and belief itself that come 'packed' with it. In order to make that choice, one probably has to go through the period of questioning whether or not the values and practices one grew up with 'suit' them any more, as well as one usually also meets alternative points of view in order to be able to compare and choose. If anything, the whole process can be characterised as "good", because whichever choice you come up with, it carries greater weight by the sole fact you chose it (as opposed to the values and practices you grew up with, as it was not your conscious choice to be born into certain culture and religion).

I'm beginning to think that it's just my imagination that is conveying these portrayals of a "higher being" that being, being God. I'm just really not sure what to think anymore [...]

Maybe it is only your imagination; maybe it is not. However, it is again your choice how much weight are you going to put into that question. I personally have never fully answered for myself to the question whether there is G-d, despite the fact I 'officially' claim myself an atheist, yet I simply do not put that much weight into that question; I am not implying that neither you should, however, have you tried to ask yourself how much does it actually mean to you? A lot of people who come from religious background at some point in their lives realise not that there is or is not G-d but, in fact, that the question itself does not mean that much to them to ponder that much over it. Some perserve religious practice as a part of their tradition, some not, but without stressing over it (you seem to stress over it, which is why I emphasise that).

How about simply taking a break? From religion, religious practice, thoughts about it. How about taking some time to dedicate to your other interests without stressing religion, just letting it wait for some better times, when you are more ready to think it over calmly? Sometimes it is amazing what time can do, and when you abandon some questions that provoke anxiety inside of you, usually after some time you can return to them and see them from entirely different angle than before.

[El Viejo]

Hello everyone, as you all know, yes I am new here, but I have an honest proposal to you all. I have considered myself a Christian my whole life, I believe in the Bible and I believe in God and Jesus Christ, but I'm really beginning to have doubts. Is it wrong for me to have doubts on whether or not I believe in God? I'm beginning to think that it's just my imagination that is conveying these portrayals of a "higher being" that being, being God. I'm just really not sure what to think anymore, but I don't want to ask fellow Christian's because I know all that I'll get is, "Oh so you aren't a Christian anymore, and you don't have faith and blah blah blah". I would just like an honest answer from some people here. I know I am new and all, but I'm sure that I can get some good honest answers from some good people. I've made Christian videos on YouTube for the past 2-3 weeks or so, but all I've seen is Christian's attacking each other over certain doctrines and Bible translation's and just pointless crap like that. I would just like an honest answer, and if someone could help me, I'd be so greatly appreciative. Thanks so much, I look forward to hearing what you all think.

Jordan W.

No, it's not wrong to have doubts. Having doubts proves that you're alive and have a functioning mind.

Doubt isn't even necessarily the right word. As we age we step back from time to time and examine who we are, where we are, what we believe. If you're hiking, climbing, sailing you do the same thing; you pause and take a look around to check whether you're making progress, whether you're on the right path or not. What dangers might you need to deal with.

Just because we're assessing spiritually rather than physically is no reason to get fearful. It's still the smart thing to do.

EV

[hellsapoppin]

"Is it wrong?"


No it is not wrong to have doubts. After all, the psalmist expressed great criticism and disgust over his god's unmerciful wickedness. If it is true that this god is a respecter of persons so that no one is more evil or more worthy of grace than anyone else, then it is perfecty OK for you to have your doubts as well.